he uses color to express emotion or metaphor. the red here, for example, representing the supernatural. these ideas led, in part, to the expressionism of his quarrelsome friend, vincent van gogh. and the dream-inspired art of the surrealists some 30 years later. which is all very good. why put on the exhibition at this moment? it is simply a case of gauguin's turn. maybe there's a need for a blockbuster. or is there more to this decision? >> gauguin is very relevant to us today because of the way he explored through his life and art alternatives to what he rejects in terms of civilization, capitalism. he is drawing away from that, as well as knowing that his art depends on it. so he's fully aware of all the contradictions that we are conscious of today. >> reporter: for all his personal shortcomings -- and there were many -- gauguin was a brilliant colorist. something that is difficult to fully appreciate until a roomful of evidence had been placed before your eyes. will gompertz, bbc news. >> apparently there's one more piece we